Hayden Wesneski's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, the Chicago Cubs are sending right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski to the Houston Astros in a package to acquire star outfielder Kyle Tucker. Wesneski was initially drafted by the New York Yankees but has spent his entire big-league career with the Chicago Cubs. Across his first three seasons in the majors (190 innings), the right-hander posted a 3.93 ERA and 1.17 WHIP. Wesneski saw time as both a starter and a reliever and logged 22 starts over his 68 total games. Last summer, the 27-year-old generated a modest 4.17 xERA and .234 xBA. In addition, he posted a 23.7% K rate and 7.4% walk rate, which were both just above the average marks among qualified pitchers. Fantasy managers should monitor his status during Spring Training as he may earn a spot in the Opening Day rotation.

The Chicago Cubs activated right-hander Hayden Wesneski (forearm) from the 15-day injured list on Friday and designated right-hander Shawn Armstrong for assignment in a corresponding move. Wesneski will return to Chicago's bullpen for the final stretch of the 2024 season over the next week and a half. The 26-year-old has been sidelined since late July with a strained right forearm and should slot into a middle-relief role for the Cubbies, leaving him with virtually zero fantasy appeal to close out the season. Wesneski made four minor-league rehab appearances with Triple-A Iowa before being activated and will return to a 3-6 record with a 3.94 ERA (4.73 FIP), a 1.20 WHIP and a 58:21 K:BB over 61 2/3 innings in 25 appearances (seven starts) in 2024 in his third year in the majors with Chicago.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Hayden Wesneski was nearly perfect during Sunday's outing against the Los Angeles Angels. The right-hander allowed one hit over 6 1/3 scoreless innings in the win. Wesneski gave up a single in the first inning, but retired 18 batters in a row after that. He was later taken out of the game after a walk and an error left him in a jam. The Cubs bullpen was surprisingly able to escape the jam and help Wesneski earn the win. It was a great outing but fantasy managers don't need to be rushing to add Wesneski.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Hayden Wesneski recorded eight strikeouts and gave up no runs in 6 1/3 innings pitched in Friday's 3-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. The eight strikeouts matched a career-high for Wesneski, who was recently called up. The 26-year-old has been used in both the bullpen and as a starter in his career, but he has now made two starts in a row for the Cubs. Wesneski may make a decent bench option for fantasy managers needing help in deeper leagues, but he could be bumped from the rotation when Justin Steele (hamstring) returns from the injured list next week. Wesneski's next scheduled start is Wednesday, May 8, against the San Diego Padres.

The Chicago Cubs are calling up first baseman Matt Mervis and right-hander Hayden Wesneski from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday. Wesneski has to replace an injured player for the Cubs since he hasn't been down in the minors for 10 days yet after previously being optioned. Mervis will join the Cubs after hitting .288 with five home runs in his first 82 plate appearances at Iowa and could see some at-bats with Chicago as their designated hitter if outfielder Ian Happ (hamstring) is forced to the injured list. Wesneski made his first appearance of the year in the majors on April 17 against the Arizona Diamondbacks out of the bullpen and picked up a win by tossing four scoreless innings with no walks and two strikeouts. It's unclear what role he's going to have this time around.